America’s love of big trucks isn’t going away, but vehicles at the opposite end of the size scale are making inroads. Stellantis thinks people will actually buy the Fiat Topolino, and kei trucks are gaining traction with people who need a more fuel-efficient work vehicle (in the states where they’re legal, at least). But the StepRanger takes downsizing to a whole new level.
Described by its builder as a “micro-truck,” the StepRanger looks like a kid’s wagon with handlebars. It’s the ultimate in vehicular minimalism: just four wheels and a flat platform (the side railings fold down) with a small step on the back for the operator. With that step folded down, it measures just 65 inches long. As depicted in StepRanger’s publicity photos, that’s short enough to fit in the bed of a Rivian R1T with the tailgate folded down. Most full-size pickups are available with longer beds that will easily swallow it.
That spec is key, because the StepRanger can be to a truck what a tender is to a large ship. With the truck parked, the 31-inch-wide StepRanger can be driven into the nooks and crannies where a normal vehicle can’t fit, such as between (or even inside) buildings, or down narrow trails. It’s not just for people too lazy to walk, either. It has a claimed 1,000-pound payload capacity, and because there’s no driver’s seat, nearly all of the footprint can be used for cargo space. The cargo-carrying platform measures 59 inches long and occupies the StepRanger’s full width.
An electric motor provides the StepRanger’s outsized muscle and also gives the embryonic truck a top speed of 15 mph. A 48-volt battery provides 15-17 miles of range, which should be enough for “all day” operation, the company claims. A second battery can also be fitted as an option. Once the StepRanger is uncrated, charging is the only prep work needed, according to the company.
The StepRanger retails for $2,700 plus $250 for shipping anywhere in the lower 48. The dual-battery setup is an additional $250, and you can upgrade from the stock all-terrain tires to snow/mud tires for $160. Alternatively, you can buy a set of those tires mounted to wheels separately for $260, or fit the StepRanger with a pair of tiny snow chains for $64.95.
This seems like it would be incredibly useful. Not only can it fit places that conventional vehicles can’t, but it’s ideal for moving things short distances without the hassle of loading and unloading a truck or trailer. It’s also kind of a throwback to the early days of ATVs, when innovation and quirky ideas were more common.